The association, originally established in 1946 shortly after World War II, was a grass-roots organization started by young men who fought together in North Africa, Tunsia, Anzio and other battlefields during the war Through the years, Red Bulls across the country have gathered annually to reminisce of old times with comrades sharing stories of their service to get a chuckle, or haunting stories of the battlefields on which they once fought

"I joined in '93 I didn't even know there was an association," said Iowa National Guard Col Ron Albrecht, outgoing president of the association "The first reunion I attended was in Waterloo, Iowa, with the Ironman chapter where over 3,000 participants attended at the Sullivan Center The speaker was former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen John Vessey I learned more about the history of the 34th Infantry during that reunion than I ever knew existed"

During Albrecht's time as president, he worked to get today's Red Bull generation interested in the association Nearing the end of his own military service, Albrecht hopes the association can continue to serve our past and present Red Bull Soldiers

"This new generation needs to carry on the tradition," said Albrecht "The purpose of the association is to take care of Red Bull Soldiers: where they are, where they are going, how their families are Many Soldiers get out and miss the camaraderie That is where the association comes in, the Iraq war veteran explained

"This is another way for them to be a part of the military It's not about rank It's about us as Soldiers," he said

"So many divisions never had reunions, but not the 34th," Krall said with a slight smirk as he reminisced of past reunions Krall, who served as an ammunition truck driver in Company F, 2-133rd Infantry Regiment, said he was honored to wear the unit patch Kroll served with many units throughout the war and even participated in the invasion of Italy, but his loyalty was always with the Red Bulls

"I still want to do something, to do my part," he said "I joined because I wanted to I love the division for all they have done: Twenty-one won the Medal of Honor, for all those that passed before me, for what these warriors went through, for their bravery Oh, they were tops!"

Regrettably, World War II Red Bulls are becoming sparser at reunions This year there were seven World War II veterans in attendance The generation is becoming so sparse that the Tri-State Chapter of the association announced their deactivation during the reunion The Tri-State Chapter, based out of Amsterdam, NY, served the Red Bull veterans located throughout the East Coast

Where one falls, another will pick up During the association's official business meeting, Minnesota National Guard Maj Jason Burley, the 34th Inf Div public affairs officer, announced the establishment of the Commander's Chapter, which is the first active chapter in Minnesota for nearly 20 years In addition to the establishment of the new chapter, Burley motioned the Commander's Chapter to host the reunion scheduled for 2014

"The Minnesota Chapter of the 34th Inf Div Assoc is very excited to be the host of the 2014 reunion," Burley announced "We are very much looking forward to providing a world class event and following the precedent set by the Des Moines chapter

"Soldiers of the 34th Inf Div, and the issues that affect them will be the driving force behind the activities and priorities of the Minnesota Chapter We're excited about the future of the chapter"

Red Bulls and Red Bull supporters nation-wide are encouraged to participate in association activities in order to build camaraderie and support past and present members and their families Individuals interested in becoming members can visit the association website at 34idaorg to obtain registration materials The 34th Infantry Division Association can also be found on Facebook

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.